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Cadmium-induced oxidative damage and antioxidative defense mechanisms in Vigna mungo L.

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Abstract

Cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms were analyzed in roots and leaves of Vigna mungo L. Seeds were germinated in perlite-vermiculite and irrigated with Hoagland nutrient solution. At day 6, seedlings were exposed to 40 μM Cd under semi-hydroponic conditions for a period of 12 days. Growth anomalies and abnormal chromatin condensation were observed in Cd-treated plants, in comparison with control ones. Cd accumulation was observed in roots of treated plants. The analyses of antioxidative defense and oxidative parameters in roots, stems and leaves showed different tissue-specific responses. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPx) activities and the level of lipid peroxidation (MDA content) decreased in roots. However, they increased in leaves. Catalase activity and chlorophyll content, on the other hand, decreased over exposure to Cd stress. Total glutathione, non-protein thiols, reduced glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatins increased significantly, while oxidized glutathione (GSSG) decreased, as compared with control plants. The present data suggest that the presence of Cd in soil and water can cause oxidative damage that may be detrimental for optimum production of nutritional mung.

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Abbreviations

CAT:

Catalase

Cd:

Cadmium

DTNB:

5,5′-Dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid)

GPx:

Guaiacol peroxidase

GSH:

Reduced glutathione

GSSG:

Oxidized glutathione

H2O2 :

Hydrogen peroxide

MDA:

Malondialdehyde

NBT:

Nitroblue tetrazolium

NPT:

Non-protein thiols

PCs:

Phytochelatins

ROS:

Reactive oxygen species

SOD:

Superoxide dismutase

TBA:

2-Thiobarbituric acid

TG:

Total glutathione

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Acknowledgments

Authors are grateful to Lic. Alejandra Canggiano, Mrs. Isabel Sosa, Mr. Rosario Dominguez and Arch. Alberto Daniel Hodara for their technical assistance. We thank Lic. Cristina Devia and Isabel Gimenez for their statistical assistance and Vida L. Hodara PhD, from Southwest Foundation Biomedical Research P.O. Box 760549, San Antonio Texas, for her invaluable assistance in reviewing the manuscript. This work was supported by a CONICET grant (PIP 4931), a SECyT Agency Grant (PICT 6-33874) IMIBIO-CONICET, and by a grant from Universidad Nacional de San Luis, (Proyecto 8104), Argentina.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cátedra de Bioquímica Molecular, Área Química Biológica, Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Proyecto 8104, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Chacabuco y Pedernera, 5700, San Luis, Argentina

    Alicia S. Molina, Carlos Nievas, María Verónica Pérez Chaca, Francisco Garibotto, Ulises González, Silvana M. Marsá, Celina Luna, María Sofía Giménez & Fanny Zirulnik

  2. IFFIVE-INTA Dep. Fisiología Vegetal, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Cordoba, Argentina

    Celina Luna

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  1. Alicia S. Molina
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  2. Carlos Nievas
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  3. María Verónica Pérez Chaca
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Correspondence to Fanny Zirulnik.

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Molina, A.S., Nievas, C., Chaca, M.V.P. et al. Cadmium-induced oxidative damage and antioxidative defense mechanisms in Vigna mungo L.. Plant Growth Regul 56, 285–295 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10725-008-9308-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10725-008-9308-1

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